"Oh definitely," Matern said on wanting to continue that tradition. "I came up with Matt Valaika. I played with him sophomore year. He really helped me learn more - the experience factor more than anything else. He was definitely somebody I looked up to when I played with him."

"We've had a nice run of shortstops and good athletes," Ozella said. "It's a testament to them. They're working hard to maintain the tradition."

Matern is the fourth player currently on the Indians roster to attain a scholarship.

Pitcher Michael Montgomery will be going to Cal State Fullerton and third baseman Jenzen Torres and catcher Bryan Lucas received scholarships to Cal Poly Pomona.